WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR HOSTED BY HOLLYWOOD PAL AND LAPD SOUTH PARK COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP
HOLLYWOOD (February 27, 2022) – The Hollywood Police Activities League and LAPD Newton’s South Park CSP Division hosted “Fight Back” a women’s self-defense seminar presented by LAPD Officers and 9X World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion Gabi Garcia, 3rd degree black belt her co-trainer Myra Mazza, 1st degree black belt from Alliance Brazilian Jui Jitsu Eastvale.
Twenty-five (25) female community members from Hollywood and South Park learned simple and proven techniques in a free 4-hour training seminar at the Hollywood PAL Martial Arts Studio. These ladies learned practical self-defense, increased awareness, effective escape techniques, and how to minimize the chance you will be attacked.
“It was fun,” shares Yvonne, one of the attendees. “I felt safe, and I wasn’t embarrassed or afraid because Gabi helped us feel comfortable. We all encouraged each other, and Gabi was a great instructor.”
Learning self-defense skills benefits women in more ways than one. It also helps boost self- esteem and creates a higher sense of empowerment and confidence when confronting a potentially bad situation.
In coordination with LAPD Officer Albert Funes from South Park CSP, this was the first of a series of recent seminars to be hosted in Hollywood with another LAPD Division. “It’s all about empowerment and engagement,” said Officer Funes. “Learning how to be more aware and how to protect yourself is vital, but getting people connected and engaged impacts the whole community.”
Stay tuned for more community workshops and trainings as we continue to re-open programs.